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PPL Projects a $1 Million Deficit for the
Coming Fiscal Year


PPL is warning that the Library faces a huge deficit for next year, if the organization continues to provide the same level of programs and services as it is providing now. (And this doesn't include the likelihood that the state will cut its Grant-in-Aid funding . The main reason for the expanded deficit prediction is the increase in pension payments which PPL must make starting next year due to changes in the federal law.

The library administration is suggesting that the trustees should consider one of three alternatives for dealing with this drastically increased deficit:

(1) PPL should reorganize itself as the Central Library plus three large branches–closing the other six branches.

(2) PPL should ask the City to run (and finance) the branches while PPL runs the Central Library.

(3) PPL should spend enough of its endowment to cover the deficit.

No one is suggesting that PPL should engage in more aggressive fund-raising and increase its revenues—or that PPL should recheck its arithmetic, to make sure it isn't crying wolf--again.

City Commits to Renovation of the Washington Park Branch Library Building

Repair work on the Washington Park branch library roof was completed in February, which should protect the building from further damage this winter. The City has solicited bids for fixing the interior, and the work could be finished by late spring or early summer. PPL will lease the building from the City and resume full services for the Washington Park community as soon as the structure is deemed safe.

BUT the interior work will not start until PPL signs an agreement with the City that it will provide library services in the building for at least the next two to three years. Until PPL decides what to do about its projected $1 million deficit for next year, PPL is unlikely to sign any agreements with the City.